Ramadan 1439 - 2018

The ninth month of the Islamic calendar year, the month of Ramadan is held highly by the Muslims across the world. This month which is given great importance as the Noble and Glorious Quran was first revealed during this month to Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). The importance of this event was more reinforced by having this month as the 'Month of fasting'. Also to reinforce a Muslim's Taqwa (God Consciousness), during this month one has to be generous and charitable. Also on a lighter note, it is said that all the divine books revealed to all the messengers were first revealed during the month of Ramadan.(Go Figure).

The Hilal Moon Sighting committee will convene on Tuesday evening, 15/05/2018 to decide whether 1st day of Ramadan starts on 16th or the 17th.

UPDATE (15/05/2018)
Kuwait: Shariah Vision Authority (Hilal Moon Sighting Committee) has declared Thursday as the 1st Day of Ramadan 2018 (CLICK HERE)
Saudi Arabia: 1st Day of Ramadan will be 17/05/2018 Thursday (CLICK HERE)
UAE: 1st Day of Ramadan will be 17/05/2018 Thursday (CLICK HERE)
Bahrain
Qatar:  1st Day of Ramadan will be 17/05/2018 Thursday (CLICK HERE)
Oman:1st Day of Ramadan will be 17/05/2018 Thursday (CLICK HERE)
North America
Australia: 1st Day of Ramadan will be 17/05/2018 Thursday (CLICK HERE)

The Month of Ramadan in Kuwait starts either on 16/05/2018 (Wednesday) or 17/05/2018 (Thursday). Since the previous Islamic month of Shaban completes 29 or 30 days is the deciding factor. This year the chances of Shaban being 30 days is high due to the previous month of Rajab being 29 and also based on the scientific astronomical calculations (ASTRONOMICAL not ASTROLOGICAL). In any case, always any decision for the start of any Islamic month can only be made based on the sighting of the Hilal moon (Nascent Crescent of the moon). Any other information made in advance is at best tentative. Wishing everyone a Ramadan Kareem, hoping for all of us to better ourselves as humans (as is the need of the hour).

Muslims fast from Dawn to Sunset.

• Dawn : the first appearance of light in the sky before sunrise.
• Sunset : the time in the evening when the sun disappears.

In Kuwait the decision factor for announcing about the sighting of the nascent moon is done by the Hilal moon sighting committee comprising of Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs and other key members.

CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 2018 Working Hours.
CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 2017 Working Hours.
CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 2016 Working Hours.
CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 2015 Working Hours.
CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 2014 Working Hours.
CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 2013 Working Hours.

CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 1438 - 2017.
CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 1437 - 2016 & Eid
CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 1436 - 2015.
CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 1435 - 2014.
CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Masjids in Ramadan 2014.
CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 1434 - 2013.

Ramadan 2018 - 1439 Working hours

The Hilal Moon Sighting committee will convene on Tuesday evening, 15/05/2018 to decide whether 1st day of Ramadan starts on 16th or the 17th.

Ramadan 1439 which coincides with May-June 2018 leads to some changes in Kuwait. The working hours of employees for government sector reduces from 35 hours a week to 25 hours a week. On the other hand, for private firms, it is reduced from 48 hours to 36 hours a week. Basically, 2 hours is removed from each day. This is the privilege that the government of Kuwait provides for the people during the month of Ramadan. The official timings for the government sectors are provided by the Assistant Undersecretary for Civil Services at the Civil Service Commission (CSC) which are as follows (Based on Circular no 1-2018 dated 02/05/2018):

The following government bodies are functioning from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm.

1. Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
2. Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs.
3. Ministry of Justice.
4. Ministry of Public Works.
5. Ministry of Higher Education.
6. Ministry of State for Service Affairs (Previously Ministry of Communication)
7. Ministry of Education.
8. Ministry of Information.
9. Public Authority for Housing Welfare.
10. Kuwaiti Public Institutions
11. Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources.
12. Public Authority for Youth.
13. Public Authority for Sports.
14. Environment Public Authority.
15. Public Authority for Industry.
16. Public Authority of Minor Affairs.
17. Kuwait General Administration of Customs.
18. Kuwait Fire Service Directorate.
19. Kuwait Credit Bank.
20. Zakat House.
21. Kuwait Municipality.
22. Civil Service Commission.
23. National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters.
24. Ministry of State for Youth Affairs.

Rest of the government bodies will work from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm.

Words of caution, the work pace in the month of Ramadan in Kuwait slows down. Also, for the above mentioned times, people will be taking break during the Noon prayers (Zuhr/Dhur) which is around 11:45 am. So one will not find people sitting at the tables between 11:50 am till around 12:15 pm. So one should keep this in mind as one's patience will be tested.

Courtesy of Civil Service Commission

CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 2017 Working Hours.
CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 2016 Working Hours.
CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 2015 Working Hours.
CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 2014 Working Hours.
CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 2013 Working Hours.


CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 1439 - 2018.

CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 1438 - 2017.
CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 1437 - 2016 & Eid
CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 1436 - 2015.
CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 1435 - 2014.
CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Masjids in Ramadan 2014.
CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 1434 - 2013.

Ramadan 1439 Prayer Timings

Ramadan 1439 Prayer Timings - Ministry of Information

Kuwait Camping Season 2017-2018

Duration: 15 November 2017 until 15 March 2018
Number of Locations: 18 (North, West and South Kuwait) (4 Locations for Public Services)
Main Website: http://www.baladia.gov.kw
Portal Page: CLICK HERE
Online Reservation and available location on GIS map: CLICK HERE
Online Application Page: CLICK HERE
Camping Area: 1,000 sq.m (square meter) per license
One License per person
Fees: KD 50 (Non-refundable) (Using K-NET)
Deposit: KD 300 (Refundable) (Using K-NET) (Will be returned after Kuwait EPA Environment Public Authority issues Certificate of cleanliness at the end of the camping season of the camping site)
Open to people with the age above 21 years - Citizens and residents (Male or Female)
Removal Period of Camp - 1st March 2018 until 15 March 2018 (along with cleanliness of site and returning it to the same state at the time of setting up)

Photo Courtesy to www.baladia.gov.kw

18 Locations around Kuwait with a lot of options. 

EPA has issued precautions to be taken while setting up of camp. Please have a look at the video below. The distance of 500 meters should be maintained from the electrical power overhead lines and also the camp goers should maintain at all times their distance from the power lines.  Using of Cement and construction materials to make permanent fixtures at the site is totally prohibited and can lead to penalties and fines. Also Kuwait Municipality can take action in tearing these illegal constructions at any given moment. It is important for the camp goers to properly dispose of their trash/garbage at their given/designated sites where provisions have been made. CLICK HERE to see an instagram video of what not to do. (under the EPA circular 42-2014 and 99-2015)

CLICK HERE if the above video does not work
Original Instagram Video: CLICK HERE

Ministry of Interior have issued a video to make one's camping experience a happy one by taking some simple cautions during their stay at the camps. Drive carefully to the camp sites by keeping in mind of pedestrians around the camp sites. Avoid areas near power utilities, Military installations, Oil Wells and drive at safe speeds, wear seat belts and avoid mobile phones while driving. Also keep an eye out while using the Charcoal based cooking units, with proper ventilation or at least extinguishing it when not using or in absentia. Watch out for power cables at camp sites and try not to overload the power outlets or extension cords. Do not set fire to any of the trash/garbage at the camp site nor at the designated trash bins. People are advised to not drive the all terrain vehicles (ATVs, Dirt bikes, buggies) on the highways.  The Ministry of Interior officials and police officers are there for assisting and keeping the law and order so that the camping experience can be memorable and safe. Take a look at the video issued by Ministry of Interior below.

CLICK HERE if the above video does not work

Kuwait Fire Service Directorate Safety instruction video

CLICK HERE if the above video does not work

Newspaper Articles

Kuwait Times: CLICK HERE
Al Rai : CLICK HERE
Al Rai: CLICK HERE
Al Kuwaityah: CLICK HERE
Al Kuwaityah: CLICK HERE
Al Anba: CLICK HERE
Al Anba: CLICK HERE
Al Shahed: CLICK HERE
Al Nahar: CLICK HERE
Al Hadath: CLICK HERE
Al Shahidm3y: CLICK HERE

Hike in electricity and water tariffs

Kuwait has been considering for a long time to cut down on subsidiaries, so as to put ease on its revenue structure which predominantly depends on crude oil sales. Many moves have been made in this regard. For example, On 1st April 1999 Kuwait introduced KD 1 fees for government health clinic visits and KD 2 fees for government hospital visits; these fees were for meeting with the doctors and also included for basic medicines & lab tests (Ministry of Health - Ministerial Decision 392/1999). Previously, no charges were levied.

One of the moves that garnered a lot of attention was the Fuel price hike. Naturally the Petrol (Premium, Super and Ultra) prices hike had a lot of hue and cry compared to previously subsidiary removal of Diesel and Kerosene which shot from 55 fils to 170 fils (Currently at 105/110 fils - Market value fluctuations; each month revision based on international crude oil prices). Petrol prices were hiked from 60 fils to 85 fils for Premium, 65 fils to 105 fils for Super and90 fils to 165 fils for Ultra but later brought down to 150 fils.  (Council of Minister decision 32/2016) These prices are not subsidiary removal prices as they would be more higher at 160 fils and onward. Citizens of Kuwait have a monthly ration/account of Petrol which is given for free after which they will be charged the market price (started with 75 litres and now increase to 100 litres per month). Similarly some sectors and industries avail the subsidised rate (55 fils) of diesel and kerosene; for example Kerosene for government related bakeries for the Tandoori/Afghani/Irani Kabous/Roti. Also agricultural/government sectors avail similar diesel subsidy.

At the same time period, the Council of Ministers had passed the decision for reduction in subsidy towards electricity and water on 16th May 2016 (Council of Ministers' decision no 20/2016). The implementation of the decision is to take effect in 4 stages giving time for all sectors of Kuwait to implement rationalisation and efficient methods in terms of electricity and water usage by reducing wastage like applying more LED lights.

Stages of implementation of new electricity and water tariffs.

1. 22nd May 2017 (22/05/2017) - Commercial Sectors
2. 22nd August 2017 (22/08/2017) - Investment Sectors
3.  22nd November 2017 (22/11/2017) - Government Sectors
4. 22nd February 2018 (22/02/2018) - Industrial, Agricultural Farms and rest of the sectors.

All Investments sectors (Apartment buildings and Residential homes) will be paying from 22nd August 2017. All the public Sector (government related properties) will start paying from 22nd November 2017. The last but least, Chalets (beach houses), Farms (Agricultural or Poultry) and Stables (For horses or other types of Animals) from 22nd February 2018. All Commercial establishments (Malls, shops or Office buildings) are already paying since 22nd May 2017.

NOTE (for Residential and Apartment buildings)

The amount to pay for Electricity is 5 fils per unit (1 KWHr) and for Water KD 2 per 1000 Gallon of Water. (uniform units throughout the month/year)

Following are the modes of Payment and enquiry for electricity and water related matters:

1. Download the App on Google Playstore or Iphone Itunes Appstore.

Name of App: MEW-CAS created by MEW-CAS

Languages available: Arabic and English

Once you download, you just need to choose the consumer type (Residential), Enter Civil Id and enter Meter Number. 

You can load a photo of the meter reading (if you want),

Enter the meter reading and then you can make payment using KNET. (sometimes you may have to wait for 15 minutes after entering Meter reading for system to update)

2. You can also make meter reading updates and payments on the website www.mew.gov.kw

You can make payments (if KNET is not available) at the MEW consumer affairs offices that are available in each area (Once you have updated the meter reading)

3. Official Social Media accounts for MEW Consumer Affairs for Meter Reading and updates.

Instagram: @consumerservics https://www.instagram.com/consumerservics/

Twitter: @consumerservics https://twitter.com/consumerservics

Whatsapp: 98760001, 98760002, 98760003, 98760004, 98760005, 98760006 (One can take photos of their electricity & water meter readings along with the meter numbers and send them to the above Whatsapp numbers to get them updated) CLICK HERE to see an instruction video or view the video at the bottom of the post. 

4. Go to the nearest electrical offices near to the area you reside between 8am till 1:45pm (Official Working hours)

5. Recently the Ministry has started a service for the Elderly citizens, a home service where someone from Ministry will come and assist in getting the readings and update the readings along with options of making payment using KNET facilities. 

Information to keep handy:

1. Civil Identity Number of Registered User
2. Meter Reading of Electricity or Water (Better if you have a photo or on smartphone)
3. Meter Number or Premises Number 
4. PACI Number of Flat and Building (Public Authority for Civil Information)

MEW Consumer Affairs Tweet about reading Meters. Photo Courtesy to MEW @ConsumerServics.

Electricity Meter Reading with Meter Number. Photo Courtesy to MEW @ConsumerServics.

Water Meter Reading with Meter Number. Photo Courtesy to MEW @ConsumerServics.

Just for information.

Previous price of electricity was 2 fils per unit (1 KW) and 800 fils per 1000 Gallons (imperial) of Water.

Without Subsidy, Electricity would be 28 Fils upto 40 fils per unit (1 KW) AND water would be KD 10 to KD 12 per 1000 gallons (imperial).

Sources

• Council of Ministers' Decision 20/2016
• Minister of Electricity and Water Circular 3/2017
• Minister of Electricity and Water Circular 20/2017
• Council of Ministers' Decision 48/2005

Council of Minister Decision 20/2016 Pg 1

Council of Minister Decision 20/2016 Pg 2

Council of Minister Decision 20/2016 Pg 3

Minister's Circular 2/2017  Pg 1

Minister's Circular 2/2017  Pg 2

Minister's Circular 28/2017 

Using the Whatsapp numbers to update the electricity and water meter readings

CLICK HERE if the above video does not work

Modes of Payment that can be done for electricity and water meter readings.

CLICK HERE if the above video does not work

Announcement for new rates on Commercial sector from 22/05/2017 and rationalization steps

CLICK HERE if the above video does not work

Ramadan 2017 - 1438 Working hours

Ramadan 1438 which coincides with May-June 2017 leads to some changes in Kuwait. The working hours of employees for government sector reduces from 35 hours a week to 25 hours a week. On the other hand, for private firms, it is reduced from 48 hours to 36 hours a week. Basically, 2 hours is removed from each day. This is the privilege that the government of Kuwait provides for the people during the month of Ramadan. The official timings for the government sectors are provided by the Assistant Undersecretary for Diwan Affairs and Manpower at the Civil Service Commission (CSC) which are as follows (Based on Circular no 1-2017 dated 23/05/2017):

The following government bodies are functioning from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm.

• Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs.
• Ministry of Justice.
• Ministry of Public Works.
• Ministry of Higher Education.
• Ministry of Communications.
• Ministry of Education.
• Ministry of Information.
• Public Authority for Housing Welfare.
• Kuwaiti Public Institutions
• Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources.
• Public Authority for Youth.
• Public Authority for Sports.
• Environment Public Authority.
• Public Authority for Industry.
• Public Authority of Minor Affairs.
• Kuwait General Administration of Customs.
• Kuwait Fire Service Directorate.
• Kuwait Credit Bank.
• Zakat House.
• Kuwait Municipality.
• Civil Service Commission.
• National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters.
• Ministry of State for Youth Affairs.

Rest of the government bodies will work from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm.

Words of caution, the work pace in the month of Ramadan in Kuwait slows down. Also, for the above mentioned times, people will be taking break during the Noon prayers (Zuhr/Dhur) which is around 11:40 am. So one will not find people sitting at the tables between 11:50 am till around 12:15 pm. So one should keep this in mind as one's patience will be tested.

Photo Courtesy to Civil Service Commission Circular No 1-2017

CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 2016 Working Hours.
CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 2015 Working Hours.
CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 2014 Working Hours.

CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 2013 Working Hours.

CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 1438 - 2017.

Ramadan Prayer Times

Photo Courtesy to The Times - Ramadan Prayer Times

Kuwait Bank Timings announced by Kuwait Banking Association (CLICK HERE for source). The working hours for the employees are 9:30 am to 2:30 pm. While Customer / Client services will be 10 am to 1:30 pm. This was issued by the Kuwait Banking Association which was received from Central Bank of Kuwait.

Eid Al Adha 1437 - 2016

The day for Eid Al Adha has been declared. First Day will be on 12th September 2016.

Photo Courtesy to E-Fatwa online

On the evening of Thursday, 1st September 2016, The High Judiciary Council of Saudi Arabia convened to observe the Hilal Moon sighting. As the moon was not sighted, the next day was declared as the 30th day of that Islamic month. Therefore, the start of the Islamic month, Dhul Hijjah is to be from 3rd September 2016. Based on this information the following is the important dates:

• 3rd September 2016 - 1st Day of Dhul Hijjah 1437
• 11th September 2016 - 9th Day of Dhul Hijjah 1437 - Arafat Day
• 12th September 2016 - 10th Day of Dhul Hijjah 1437 - 1st Day of Eid Al Adha
• 13th September 2016 - 11th Day of Dhul Hijjah 1437 - 2nd Day of Eid Al Adha
• 14th September 2016 - 12th Day of Dhul Hijjah 1437 - 3rd Day of Eid Al Adha

The countries that declared similarly to Saudi Arabia are Kuwait, UAE and Turkey. The Fiqh Council of North America and European Council of Fatwa and Research also declared 12th September 2016 as the 1st Day of Eid Al Adha (10th of Zul Hijja) (Source: Saudi Arabian Press Agency, Fiqh Council)

Photo Courtesy of The Fiqh Council of North America

The greatest next topic usually after the declaration of Eid Al Adha is how many days of holidays are people going to get. So let the list begin.

• Kuwait - 9 days - 9 September 2016, Friday - 17 September 2016, Saturday
• UAE - 9 days  (government) - 9 September 2016, Friday - 17 September 2016, Saturday
• UAE - 3 days (private) - 11 September 2016, Sunday - 13 September 2016, Tuesday
• Turkey - 9 days - 10 September 2016, Saturday - 18 September 2016, Sunday

Source: Gulf Business (UAE Private), Gulf Business (UAE Goverment)

Photo Courtesy to Twitter - HH Sheikh Mohammed Al Makhtoum UAE

Kuwait's Civil Service Commission has declared in their Circular 14-2016 that official holidays observed will be on Sunday 11th, Monday 12th, Tuesday 13th and Wednesday 14th. Thursday 15th will be given as rest day. Official working day resumes from Sunday, 18th September 2016.

Photo Courtesy to Kuwait Civil Service Commission (CSC)

About Eid Al Adha/Bakrid/Bakr-Eid/Eid Al Thani/Qurban Bayram:

The Islamic festival of Eid Al-Adha is celebrated in the Islamic month of Zul Hijjah. The yearly pilgrimage, Hajj to Makkah Mukkaramah / The Honored City of Mecca takes place during this month. From the 8th Zul Hijjah till the 13th Zul Hijjah, variously rituals takes place which are enactment of the events that took place by Prophet Ibrahim / Abraham (A.S), his wife Bibi Hajra / Hagar, their son Prophet Ismail / Ishmael (A.S). The muslims that do not participate in the pilgrimage, Hajj celebrate Eid Al Adha on the 10th, 11th and 12th. They perform the congregational prayer on the first day morning after sunrise. After that until the end of the third day, muslims that are financially sound sacrifice an animal and share it with their family, friends and others.

The first 10 days of Zul Hijjah are given a lot of importance and emphasis by indulging in the remembrance of Allah (SWT).

Photo Courtesy to Islamic Online University

Eid Prayer times for Kuwait on 12th September 2016 at 5:45 am. (All Eid prayers are to be held in Masajed, No outdoor arrangements this year)

Photo Courtesy of Kuwait Police Department

• Fajr - 4:10 am
• Sunrise - 5:31 am
• Eid Prayers - 5:45 am
• Zohar - 11:45 am
• Asr - 3:16 pm
• Magreb - 5:58 pm
• Isha - 7:17 pm

Photo Courtesy of Kuwait Police Department
Translation: Cancellation of Outdoor Eid Prayers due to Security Concerns.

42 Emergency Medical Center will be functioning during the Eid Holidays (24 hours) across all of Kuwait - All six Governorates.

Photo Courtesy to Ministry of Health and Kuwait Police Department

Also, the estimated time for the Eid Prayer to take place is 15 minutes after Sunrise (Sunrise at 5:31 am) Therefore time is 5:45 am). The prayer consists of 2 Rakats and is accompanied by a sermon after. It is highly recommended to listen to the Sermon. Some Masjids in Kuwait start the Eid Prayer a little later around 7 am - Urdu, Tamil, Telugu and Bengali (Check with the Masjids earlier to know the exact time). The only main condition for Eid Prayers is that it takes place after Sunrise. This year, the Ministry of Awqaf & Islamic Affairs has requested most of these masajed to perform the Eid prayers earlier. Most people prefer to pray earlier in the day as they will be busy with the sacrifice ritual immediately after the prayers.

The list of temporary slaughter houses have been put up by the Kuwait Municipality. These are to support the 5 main slaughter houses in reducing the burden. The 5 main slaughter houses will be working in full capacity throughout the Eid Holidays. The 12 temporary slaughter houses are in accordance to Environment Public Authority (EPA) rules and regulations. It is highly recommended not to take photography or videos (snapchat, instagram, vine, facebook, twitter, periscope and others) at the slaughter houses. (Another source : ARAB TIMES)

Temporary Abattoirs / Slaughter House (Asimah) City Governorate
S.No.	Area	Site Location
1	Shuwaikh	Next to the Car Park of Asimah Immigration Opposite Al Khaldiya Area
2	Kaifan	Block 3, Next Afrah Boodi Hall
Temporary Abattoirs / Slaughter House Hawally Governorate
S.No.	Area	Site Location
1	Salwa	Area 5, Next to the Co-op Society
2	Zahra	Opposite Public Authority for Housing Welfare
3	Rumaithiya	Opposite to the Main Co-op Society
Temporary Abattoirs / Slaughter House Farwaniya Governorate
S.No.	Area	Site Location
1	Farwaniya	Street 106, Near to Masjid Monawar Al Monawar
2	Abdulla Al Mubarak	2nd Street, Opposite to Masjid Taiba Al Rooeh
3	Ardhiya	Block 5, Street 55, Next to KFH, Opposite Saraj Al Muneer Center
4	Ishbilya	Street 216, Block 2, Opposite Amar Bin Rabeah Primary Boys School
5	Sabah Al Nasir	Street 106, Block 4, Masjid Al Marjah
Temporary Abattoirs / Slaughter House Ahmadi Governorate
S.No.	Area	Site Location
1	Ali Al Salem (Umm Haiman)	Entry into the area from Kind Abdulaziz Expressway Next to Main Co-op Society
2	Jaber Al Ali	Entry into the area from King Fahd Expressway Next to School near Co-op Society

Photo Courtesy to Kuwait Municipality - Baladia

Kuwait Municipality prepares 12 Temporary Abattoirs / Slaughter Houses for Eid

CLICK HERE if the above video does not work